Feedback: Readers overwhelmingly support Belle Isle becoming a state park

Oct. 2, 2013

The state plans to lease Belle Isle from the City of Detroit for 30 years, with two optional 15-year renewals, in a deal that will bring at least $10 million in improvements to the island, while saving the city millions each year on upkeep. Most readers were enthusiastic about the announcement. Others took issue with Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watsonís comment: ďWe donít need this kind of help. Seems like a rape to me.Ē

This lease deal is a good thing for Detroit. Detroiters still own the park, and the state manages it for us. The state has done an excellent job managing William Milliken State Park on the riverfront.

Mary Tee

The City Council had its chance to do something, and all it has done is keep the city from moving on and let Belle Isle rot. When I drive around the island, it makes me sad to see how the city let it deteriorate. And then council members complain when most of us wanted to see the island returned to its former glory.

Rodney Smith

Via Freep.com

The recreation passport program has been a total success. And I donít understand why Detroiters donít want to take advantage of this state money.

Douglas Sharp

Via Freep.com

Will there be any increase in funds to the state park system or will it be forced to support another unit with no uptick in fees realized? Will Belle Isle drain a disproportionate amount of funds, leaving the rest of the system to suffer? I have an annual passport, which I will not renew if Detroit is given any of the special treatment suggested above.

Carman Conforti

Chesterfield Township

This is an amazing opportunity, the state has more funds available to support the park than the city right now, and this could provide a model for building inter-governmental trust and cooperation. Detroiters, be vigilant, but give it a chance.

Melinda McIntosh

Via Freep.com

This is great for Detroit and Detroiters. Whatís the benefit for those of us who donít live in the area, will never visit Belle Isle, and have to pay for this with our tax dollars? This should have been a regional Metropark deal.

Chris Steigerwald

Via Freep.com

If state taxpayers are paying for it, there should be no conditions imposed by the city.

Mike Corey

Via Freep.com

Plan B: Have Kevyn Orr announce an $11 per-car park fee. The fee will enhance improvements on Belle Isle. Orr has absolute power, so why bring the state and Snyder into the picture?

Arnett Sydes Jr.

Via Freep.com

Rape. Really. I think that was very insensitive to those who have been raped. I cannot believe a woman who was elected to serve the city of Detroit is so ignorant to compare rape with someone who is going to fix up the park. Mrs. Watson, maybe you need to speak to some rape victims.